Roundup: Phillies sign OF Young

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeJanuary 23, 2013

The Philadelphia Phillies signed troubled free-agent outfielder Delmon Young to a one-year, $750,000 contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal includes incentive. "Delmon is an experienced major league bat who will add some depth to our relatively inexperienced outfield and another layer of competition for playing time there as well," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. The first overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, Young finished second in American League rookie of the year voting in 2007. Since, his career has been hurt by poor on-field performances and off-the-field controversy. He was suspended for seven days by Major League Baseball for yelling anti-Semitic slurs outside of a New York hotel in April 2012. He apologized and completed a counseling and community service program.

---One of the greatest pitchers in Dodgers history is returning to the organization. Hall-of-Famer Sandy Koufax, who pitched for the team in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, has been hired as a special assistant to chairman Mark Walter. He'll work with Dodgers pitchers in Spring Training and to serve as a consultant throughout the season. The 77-year-old spent 12 years in the major leagues and went 165-87, including a 111-34 from 1962-66. He retired at 30 having won three Cy Young Awards and thrown four no-hitters.

---The St. Louis Cardinals avoided arbitration with right-hander Jason Motte when he agreed to a contract Tuesday, the team announced. The two-year deal was worth a reported $12 million, according to Fox Sports. Motte, a converted catcher, led the National League with 42 saves last season while posting a 2.75 ERA and 86 strikeouts and walking only 17 batters in 72 innings. The 30-year-old made $1.95 million last year, his first full season as St. Louis' closer.

---The Toronto Blue Jays signed infielder Mark DeRosa to a one-year, $750,000 contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal includes a 2014 team option at the same rate. DeRosa, who turns 38 in February, has played a number of positions. He appeared in 48 games for the Washington Nationals in 2012, batting .188 in 101 plate appearances and playing every infield position and both corner outfield positions. In 15 major-league seasons, DeRosa has batted .270 with 93 career home runs. To make room on the roster, the Blue Jays designated right-hander Sam Dyson for assignment. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut in 2012, appearing in two games.

---The Cincinnati Reds signed righty Armando Galarraga to a minor-league deal, according to a CBSSports.com report. The 31-year-old is best known for his near-perfect game in 2010. He spent 2012 with the Houston Astros, and posted a 6.75 ERA in 24 innings.

---Former American League rookie-of-the-year Bobby Crosby signed a minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to a FOX Sports report. Crosby would earn $800,000 if he makes the team and could received another $450,000 in incentives. The 33-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010.

---The Boston Red Sox designated right-hander Chris Carpenter for assignment on Tuesday to make room for Mike Napoli on the roster. Carpenter's claim to fame is that he was the player acquired from the Chicago Cubs in February as compensation for former general manager Theo Epstein. Carpenter, 27, pitched in eight games for Boston last season, allowing six earned runs in six innings.

---The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached agreement on a new local television contract with Time Warner, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. The deal is estimated to be $7 billion to $8 billion, according to the Los Angeles Times. If the figures are accurate, it would be the largest television contract in sports history. Bloomberg reported that the agreement calls for a regional Dodgers television network that Time Warner will operate as an administrator.